updated 11:50 am EDT, Mon October 4, 2010

Sharp shows IS03 with Android 2.1, Retina Display

Sharp has just introduced its first Android phone with unusually high-end hardware specs. The IS03 will launch for AU KDDI in Japan, and sports an iPhone 4-matching 3.5-inch, 960x640-pixel touchscreen. It's unclear if the panel is the same as Apple's, but it represents the densest ever display on a regularly sized, non-Apple handset.

Beyond the screen, the IS03 carries a 9.6-megapixel camera with autofocus and image stabilization onboard, along with Japan-specific features like a 1Seg TV tuner and a FeliCa wireless payment system. The IS03 also has Global Passport CDMA support, allowing it to roam in the US and other countries around the world. Android 2.1 will be preloaded rather than 2.2.

Sharp hasn't confirmed it will ship the handset outside of Japan, however, and neither has pricing. It arrives at AU KDDI late in November. [viaImpress]